Seven renowned Tanzanians appointed Champions of the European Year for Development!

By the Ministry of Finance National Authorising Officer and the EU Delegation to Tanzania

On 17th March 2015, the European Year of Development 2015 was officially launched in Tanzania. The campaign was initiated by the Finance Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hamisi Mwinyimvua, together with the EU Ambassador Filiberto Ceriani-Sebregondi, in partnership with EU Member States and other development actors.  A banner was unveiled on UMOJA House which hosts the UK High Commission, the embassies of Germany and the Netherlands, DfiD and the EU Delegation. Dr. Hamisi Mwinyimvua hailed the support from the EU and its Member States which has significantly contributed in improving people’s livelihoods and has made a real and lasting difference. The EU Ambassador stressed that, in Tanzania, the campaign will be an opportunity to spark dialogues on development cooperation and showcase the partnerships between the EU and Tanzania. Implementing partners will be involved through specific examples of how EU funding makes a difference in sectors as diverse as good governance, human rights, private sector, energy, transport, water, agriculture, climate change and environment, gender, or culture.

Seven Tanzanian figures, whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others and who dedicate themselves to advocating for development and the improved lives of Tanzanians, have been appointed EYD 2015 Champions. They originate from very different segments of society. Influential advocates include Dr Helen Kijo-Bisimba, a distinguished human rights activist, defender, and current Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), as well as Ambassador Mpungwe, who caps a distinguished career in the diplomatic service, including as Tanzania’s first High Commissioner to South Africa in 1994, and is currently Chairman of the Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy. From the arts scene, Mr Fareed Kubanda (FID Q),one of the most prolific hip-hop artists in Tanzania, is joined by Ms Keisha Hadija Saban, a very famous pop star who notably sings for albino’s rights and friendship as well as Mr Paul Ndunguru, a renowned visual artist, performer, and educator. Finally, from the world of sports, Ms Sophia Mwasikili, the captain of the Tanzania National Women's Football Team – Twiga Stars, and Mr Nadir Haroub Ali, Zanzibarialso known by his nickname Cannavaro, captain of both the Tanzania National Football Team and the Dar Young African FC, complete the team of EYD 2015 Champions!